Stomach Cancer Supportive Care Protocol
Primary Stack
Core supplements with strongest evidenceAnti-inflammatory; supports immune function; may help maintain weight
Supporting Studies (1)
Immune support; often deficient in cancer patients
Supporting Studies (1)
Supporting Stack
Additional supplements for enhanced resultsCritical for maintaining muscle mass; gastric surgery limits intake
Supporting Studies (1)
Anemia common after gastric surgery; only if deficient
Supporting Studies (1)
Cannot absorb B12 after total gastrectomy; requires supplementation
Supporting Studies (1)
How This Protocol Works
Simple Explanation
Stomach (gastric) cancer is a serious cancer affecting the stomach lining. Treatment often involves surgery that significantly impacts nutrition and requires lifelong supplementation.
TYPES:
CRITICAL: Stomach cancer requires comprehensive oncological care. This protocol is SUPPORTIVE ONLY and must be coordinated with your oncology team.
TREATMENTS:
NUTRITIONAL CHALLENGES AFTER GASTRECTOMY:
* Vitamin B12 is mandatory after total gastrectomy.
* Iron and calcium absorption are impaired.
* Protein intake is critical but challenging.
Expected timeline: Nutritional support is lifelong after gastrectomy.
Clinical Perspective
Stomach Cancer: Adenocarcinoma most common. Risk factors: H. pylori, smoking, diet, family history. Staging: EGD with biopsy, CT, sometimes staging laparoscopy. Treatment: surgery (D2 gastrectomy) +/- perioperative chemo; advanced - systemic therapy.
CRITICAL: Gastrectomy creates lifelong nutritional consequences. B12 supplementation mandatory after total gastrectomy (no intrinsic factor). Iron, calcium, vitamin D malabsorption common. Small frequent meals. Supplements: B12 essential; iron/calcium as needed; protein for muscle maintenance. Discuss with oncology before supplements during active treatment.
* Omega-3 (C-grade): Weight maintenance. Systematic review: (PMID: 27840029). 2-3g EPA+DHA daily.
* Vitamin D (C-grade): Immune support. Systematic review: (PMID: 28750270). 2000-4000 IU daily.
* Protein (B-grade): Muscle maintenance. Guidelines: (PMID: 28698222). 1.2-1.5g/kg/day.
* Iron (B-grade): If deficient. Review: (PMID: 28252380). Address deficiency.
* Vitamin B12 (A-grade): Mandatory post-gastrectomy. Guidelines: (PMID: 27450775). 1000mcg daily or monthly injection.
Protocol notes: B12: mandatory after total gastrectomy; sublingual or injection (oral absorption impaired). Dumping syndrome: eat slowly, avoid simple sugars, lie down after meals. Iron: may need IV iron if oral not tolerated/absorbed. Calcium: take with vitamin D; separate from iron. Small meals: 6-8 small meals daily. Weight monitoring: significant loss common; calorie-dense foods. Oncology dietitian: essential for post-gastrectomy nutrition.